Lisa Statkus was born an artist into a family of engineers. Consequently, she spent a huge amount of her life swimmimg upstream, until a synchronistic and fortuitous mingling of circumstances landed her in SW France for a painting holiday. It was that one experience that solidified all of the various “others” into a harmonious vision of possibility, which she now shares with other like-minded  artists in the form of 10-14 night painting holidays in France and Italy. Having traveled extensively over her lifetime and made friends everywhere she has gone, she now offers you an opportunity to see the world as she does: “a small place where we are all more alike than different.”

Meander with her in SW France or Italy, visiting medieval villages and castles, chateaus, museums and prehistoric sites, gathering inspiration for your own artwork. A mural painter herself, she’ll show you the best medieval decorative painting in Albi, France.

Your holiday includes all accommodations in charming venues and villas throughout SW France and Italy, handpicked by Lisa on her travels. All breakfasts and dinners (with 1 or 2 exceptions) are included; lunch is usually picnic-style or casual cafe-dining, depending on weather and itinerary. All transportation including pickup/drop-off at specified airport(not including airfare), all entrance fees to sites, and all instructor’s fees (where specified) are included.

Groups are kept small, 6-12 maximum and fill quickly. Deposits are required to reserve a space and prices are based on double occupancy. Only a limited number of single accommodations are usually available for an additional cost (see individual workshops), so book early or bring a friend that you don’t mind sharing with. That’s the most  fun and the best value!

You will have an unforgettable experience in the Olde World, and will return home refreshed, rejuvenated and bursting with creativity and enthusiasm for your craft! And along with the wonderful memories, no doubt you’ll make some new friends and learn some new art skills.

Oh yes…what’s a “gryphon?” It’s a dragon-like creature with the head of an eagle and the body of a lion, more or less, that has been used over the ages in crests, cathedrals, plaques, armor, carvings and the like, to symbolize strength, unity and protection. Lisa’s Gryphon has been a constant imaginary companion since childhood, and now represents her business moniker, embodying her desire to build a solid, inclusive enterprise that welcomes and protects artists, while giving them the freedom to fly with their imaginations in her workshops.